Hawaii’s Residents & Visitors Urged to Prepare for Hurricane

Update 06/08/2018 NZ Time PM: Hurricane Hector has intensified to a Category 4 as it heads towards the islands of Hawaii. National Hurricane. The latest official forecast track sees the hurricane lying to the south but the National Hurricane Center warn that only a slight deviation to the north of the forecast track would significantly increase potential impacts on the Hawaiian Islands. Now is a good time for everyone in the Hawaiian Islands to ensure that they have their hurricane plan in place. Also be aware that forecasted hurricane paths and intensity can change abruptly.

“Hector is our first hurricane this year. We want to remind the public we are in the middle of the hurricane season and we urge people to take the weekend to prepare their homes and families for impacts that could be felt statewide,” said Tom Travis, Administrator of Emergency Management.

Hawaii has a total population of more than 1.4 million, according to 2017 Census data. The Aloha State is made up of eight main islands including O’ahu, Maui and Big Island Hawaii, the home of Kilauea Volcano which has been erupting for months now.

To prepare for hurricanes and tropical storms, starting with Hurricane Hector, Hawaii’s Emergency Management Agency recommends residents and visitors take the following actions:

Prepare an “emergency kit” of a minimum of 14 days of food, water and other supplies.

Talk with family members and develop a clear understanding what you will do if a hurricane or tropical storm threatens.

Prepare an action plan that includes details such as whether your family plans to shelter in place or evacuate.

Know if your home is in an inundation zone, flood zone, or susceptible to high winds and other hazards.

Know if your home is retrofitted with hurricane resistant clips or straps.

Stay tuned to local media and their websites/applications regarding weather updates.

Prepare your pets by checking or purchasing a carrier and other preparedness items. A pet carrier is necessary for your pet’s safety if you plan to evacuate to a pet-friendly shelter. Don’t forget 14 days of food and water for your furry family members.

Set aside an emergency supply of any needed medication and keep a copy of your prescriptions in case you run out of medication after a disaster.

Hawaii residents and visitors are urged to build an emergency kit now.

The Latest Hurricane Forecast, as at 2pm Sat (Hawaii Time)

The US’s National Hurricane Center’s latest Hector forecast, as at 2pm Saturday Hawaii time today, more than an hour ago.

It shows that Hector is a Category 3 Hurricane, using the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind scale.

“Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 125 mph (205 km/h) with higher gusts…Short-term fluctuations in intensity are likely during the next few days, but Hector is expected to be near major hurricane intensity for the next 2 or 3 days. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 30 miles (45 km) from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 105 miles (165 km).”

The path or direction of a hurricane, referred to as cyclones and typhoons in the rest of the Asia-Pacific region, has been known to change its path unexpectedly so it’s important to continue monitoring and checking the latest forecast until the threat of hurricane has passed.

Even if a hurricane is a lower category or intensity, it can still cause destruction and damage to land, property and people with flooding inland and storm surges from the coast.

Honolulu, the state capital of Hawaii, is on the island of O’ahu where about two thirds of the population live.